What is AuDHD?

ASD and ADHD combined are AuDHD, a neurodevelopmental disorder with both traits

Does your child seem to have laser-like focus on specific activities, yet struggles to maintain attention on routine tasks? Or enjoys new and exciting activities, but then gets easily overwhelmed? It could be AuDHD — a non-medical term that refers to kids with both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

It’s surprising that these 2 conditions can co-occur because their core characteristics can be complete opposites. For instance, a child with ASD likes fixed routines, repetition and structure, whereas a child with ADHD prefers spontaneity and flexibility to try something new.

But they do frequently overlap, and understanding what AuDHD is can help provide the right support and interventions to improve your child’s quality of life at home, school and in social situations. Because support that works for a child with ASD or ADHD alone may not be effective for a child with AuDHD.

“AuDHD is not an official diagnosis but has become an increasingly popular term in recent years,” says Matthew Weeks, DO, a developmental-behavioral pediatrician at Geisinger. “Research and patient experience show kids can have characteristics from both conditions: About half of kids with ASD also meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD.”

What is AuDHD?

ASD and ADHD are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by differences in cognitive and sensory processing. ASD affects the way a child behaves, communicates and socializes, whereas ADHD is characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.

But sometimes they present with a unique set of overlapping symptoms, known as AuDHD.

“ASD and ADHD each encompass an array of symptoms that vary in intensities and combinations,” says Dr. Weeks. “For kids with AuDHD, their combination and intensity of symptoms include those from both conditions. And it’s important kids receive an accurate diagnosis, so interventions and treatment are more effective.”

The term AuDHD has become increasingly popular because up until 2013 when the latest Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) was released, medical professionals could not diagnose ASD and ADHD at the same time.

Signs of AuDHD in kids

Core signs of ASD include difficulty with small talk and social cues, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities and intense, focused interests. Core signs of ADHD include trouble focusing, acting without consideration, constant fidgeting, excessive talking or interrupting, and forgetfulness.

With AuDHD, a child has characteristics from both sets of traits. They might balance each other out or pull the child in different directions, which can be confusing.

“Without proper support, kids can have depression and anxiety,” says Dr. Weeks. “In fact, kids with AuDHD have a higher incidence of mental health issues than those with ASD or ADHD alone.”

Signs of AuDHD where ASD and ADHD overlap include:

Trouble starting or finishing tasks
Difficulty shifting focus or switching tasks
Hyperfocus on specific interests
Forgetfulness in daily activities
Over- or under-responsive to sensory stimulation, such as noise, light and touch
Intense emotions that are difficult to control or explain
Trouble with small talk and responding to social cues

Signs of AuDHD where ASD and ADHD contradict each other include:

A drive to organize and plan, but gets overwhelmed easily
More severe sensory sensitivities, but needs stimulation to concentrate
Feels exhausted after socializing, but still has fun
Has lots of energy to put into special interests, but has a need to alternate between interests
Needs routine to feel calm, but gets bored easily and needs to change tasks
Gets thrown off by unexpected changes, but wants to try new things
Quiet around strangers, but talkative with people they trust

“Sometimes symptoms of one diagnosis might be more prominent, while symptoms of the other might be less noticeable,” Dr. Weeks says.

Diagnosis and treatment of AuDHD

AuDHD consists of 2 separate diagnoses, based on ASD and ADHD symptoms. There is no single AuDHD test because it’s not a clinical diagnosis, but healthcare professionals often employ a combination of assessment tools based on DSM-5 criteria, behavioral observations and questionnaires.

If your child is diagnosed with both ASD and ADHD, a provider will develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to meet your child’s specific needs. It may include a mix of strategies and therapies to support both ASD and ADHD traits, including:

Cognitive behavioral therapy to change negative thought patterns to affect positive behavioral changes
Occupational therapy to learn new skills and overcome barriers for completing daily tasks
Counseling to develop coping strategies for anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders
Social skills training
Academic support
Medication management, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, antidepressants or mood stabilizers

Structured routines, visual aids and reminders are helpful, too.

“Treatments are used to enhance communication and social skills, manage emotions and develop practical life skills,” says Dr. Weeks. “But because symptom profiles are likely complex, it can take time to find the most effective treatment for your child.”

When to contact a pediatrician for an evaluation

If you’re concerned about the way your child acts, plays, learns or speaks, start by talking with your child’s pediatrician. Your provider may recommend developmental tests to identify delays in cognitive, language or social skills — and if necessary, can help guide the next steps for further evaluation.

If your child already has ASD or ADHD, talk to your provider to consider the other condition. Healthcare professionals including developmental pediatricians, psychologists and neurologists can diagnose both conditions and determine the best treatment plan.

“The sooner kids receive appropriate care like behavioral therapies and other support, the sooner they can start learning coping strategies and skills essential for development and well-being,” says Dr. Weeks. “While there is no cure for ASD or ADHD, both conditions come with unique strengths that a child can embrace as they grow into adulthood.”